We will build relationships in which mentors and mentees recognize and value each other’s respective contributions to their mutual academic pursuits, and that are grounded in empathy for personal boundaries. There is an inherent power differential in the graduate training relationship that gives the mentor authority over the student. But with that authority comes the responsibility to guide the mentee with compassion and fairness.
Closely related to mutual respect, reciprocity is the principle that the contributions of both time and effort in the mentoring relationship should be in balance. Both the mentor and mentee should take part in defining what the relationship should be, and in actively striving for its success. While mentoring may begin with a clear boundary between faculty and student, by the time the student graduates they are likely moving into more of a peer role with their former mentor. Reciprocity respects this balance from the beginning.